Day of Remembrance and Hope

August 13, 2008

The City of Hampton and the Hampton Military Affairs Committee (MAC) invite residents to join in its 8th Annual Day of Remembrance and Hope -- a special time of reflection on what occurred on September 11, 2001, and America's strong belief in, and hope for, the future.

Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: Gosnold's Hope Park, 901 East Little Back River Road, Hampton

This will be a time to honor the Armed Services and Public Safety personnel who protect the nation every day. Ceremonies will include a presentation of the colors, a Proclamation by the City of Hampton, special music, and the unveiling of a quilt depicting patriotic scenes drawn by children throughout the state of Virginia.

The event is also a time to reflect on those local service members who have died in combat in the War on Terror. Families of these service members are encouraged to attend on this special day. To help seat them in a place of honor, members of Hampton's Military Affairs Committee will be identifiable by their red-white-and-blue ribbons.

"Our intent is to respectfully acknowledge these families, and to honor the sacrifice that they have made," said Alvin Bryant, Chairman of the MAC.

The city is also seeking individuals who would like to help read the names of those who were lost on September 11, 2001. As in past years, this public reading will occur near the Trees of Hope, a strand of eleven evergreen trees planted in co-mingled soils from the sites of the three attacks that occurred on that day (the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania). Those who are interested in helping to reflect on others' sacrifices on their behalf and read these names should call John Gately, 757-851-3085.

This 2008 observance continues an eight-year tradition. The first observance was on December 11, 2001, only months after the September 11 attacks.

"I would encourage those who can to join us," said Hampton Councilwoman Angela Leary, originator of the annual observances. "While there, thank a uniformed service member or a policeman, fireman, or EMT. Express your condolences and appreciation to family members of those who have died in defense of our nation. Share in the experience. You will not forget it."